Career Path Of A Sales Enablement Specialist At Viant Technology
Natalie's career path embodies the idea that life is "one grand old experiment," pivoting from biochemistry and food science to a wellness tech startup, and now, Sales Enablement for a digital advertising company, demonstrating the power of "stacking skills" and pursuing curiosities rather than adhering to a rigid plan. The biggest takeaway is "you do not need to know exactly where you are going" as every experience offers valuable learning that refines direction.
Career Experimentation, Skill Stacking, Transferable Skills, Interdisciplinary Career, Sales Enablement
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
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Traits
Natalie Paterson
Sales Enablement Specialist
Viant Technology
Chapman University
Chapman University | M.S. Food Science
Chemistry
Technology, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Life is one grand experiment: The interviewee highlights the importance of viewing life and career as an experiment rather than following a rigid plan. They emphasize that success doesn't require a perfectly structured plan.
2. The value of exploring curiosities: The interviewee initially studied biochemistry and food science, driven by their fascination with these subjects. This led to an opportunity in a wellness tech startup, illustrating how following curiosities can lead to unexpected career paths.
3. Skills are transferable: The interviewee stresses the significance of skill-stacking and how skills acquired through different experiences are transferable and valuable, regardless of the specific career path.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Do you have any internships or jobs you had before your current role?
I love this question because everyone's journey definitely takes a different spin. What I want to start with and open up with is what I've come to believe and learn about life: it truly is one grand experiment.
This is the opposite of what I used to think. I used to think success was very structured, meant to follow a perfectly structured plan. You had to choose the right major in college, get the right job right out of college, and start climbing the right ladder immediately.
This view has completely been turned on its head. I now see life as one grand experiment. To give you some background, I studied biochemistry in undergrad and even got my master's in food science. These subjects—science, nutrition, understanding how the body works, how our food system is designed—fascinated me the most at the time.
These were the curiosities I decided to explore. Thankfully, they led me to an opportunity to be on the founding team of a wellness tech startup. There, I gained experience and the chance to apply all my scientific expertise in the world of e-commerce.
That experiment was eye-opening because it allowed me to see the intersection between science and business in the digital world of e-commerce. Fast forward to today, I now work for a public company that builds tech infrastructure for digital advertising. Specifically, I work in a department called Sales Enablement.
To summarize this first question, I think the biggest takeaway is that you do not need to know exactly where you are going. You do not need to know the perfect plan and all the steps.
I think the best and most fulfilling way to approach your career path is to simply take action on what you are curious about. Focus on stacking skills as you explore different paths and opportunities because skills are transferable.
As you continue to go forward, you'll be able to refine your direction. Know that every experience will teach you something and give you something valuable. You never have to fear that it will be taken away from you. By stacking skills, those are the things that will stick with you the most.